How does temperature affect your parking lot sealcoating?

Sealcoating is one of the most efficient ways to protect your asphalt pavement against the elements and other agents of deterioration. It is the cornerstone of an effective parking lot maintenance strategy due to its cost-efficiency.

Aside from its low upfront cost, you can prevent frequent asphalt repair needs if your parking lot is sealcoated regularly. It is very beneficial, especially if you own a business establishment or manage an HOA or condominium.

While the importance of asphalt sealcoating is undeniable, its impact would ultimately depend on proper execution. It does not require rocket science, but there is a right method for sealcoating parking lots. There is also an ideal condition to apply the sealer to make it last if possible.

What are the Factors that Affect Sealcoat Curing Time?

Asphalt sealcoating may seem straightforward to the untrained eye, but contractors have many details to work out in every project. Before they can sealcoat parking lot pavement, they must monitor the weather forecast and make sure that it will not rain within 24 hours.

If rainfall is imminent, your contractor will not proceed with the sealcoating. Water from the rain will prevent the sealer from drying properly, which means that the money you spent will just be washed away along with the coating.

Aside from the possibility of rain, the general weather condition will impact the ability of sealcoating material to adhere to the pavement surface. If you want to sealcoat parking lot pavement successfully, you need the right humidity level, amount of sunlight, and precipitation.

Another element of weather condition that bears mentioning is temperature. This includes the ambient temperature and the surface temperature of the parking lot being treated. Understanding how it impacts the curing process of asphalt sealcoating is important for it to be effective and to prevent additional expenses in repeat jobs.

What is the Best Temperature to Sealcoat Parking Lot Pavement?   

As a rule, it is acceptable to apply the sealcoat if the temperature ranges from 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Sealcoating at the upper range would yield the best results. This would start at 70 degrees, which typically happens in the morning. From there, the temperature will rise until the afternoon. This is the ideal window where you could sealcoat parking lot pavement.

The temperature would still play an important part after the sealcoating is applied. Maintaining a level of no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours would keep the drying time to a minimum. This temperature applies to both the ambient air and pavement surface.

What is the Impact of Too Much Heat on Sealcoating?

It is important to note that too much heat will have a negative impact on asphalt sealcoating. If the temperature rises above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the sealcoat material would be baked well before it adheres to the pavement surface. Temperatures over 100 degrees would see the binders melting. Both situations have a significant impact on the quality of the sealcoat.

In Florida, where the weather is generally warm, you need to hire reputable sealcoating services for your asphalt paving needs. Contractors in the area know the best times and conditions for a successful sealcoating project.

 How Does Low Temperature Affect Asphalt Sealcoating?

The other end of the temperature spectrum also has an acceptable window for sealcoating. If the reading falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, reputable contractors do not recommend going through with a sealcoating project. Furthermore, this threshold must not be exceeded for a minimum of 48 hours. This will help ensure that the applied pavement sealant would have enough time for curing.

There are situations where you need to have your parking lot seal coated despite less-than-ideal conditions. In other cases, the contractors themselves would insist that it is acceptable to apply the sealcoating in other temperature conditions.

When this happens, make sure you find a reputable contractor with years of experience in the industry. Also, do not forget to ask for a minimum of a one-year warranty applicable to your unique situation. You could also ask for a retainage, so you have some form of protection against premature wear and tear. The important thing is to protect your interest as a customer. Asphalt parking lot maintenance need not be expensive for it to be effective.

Contact ACPLM for Tampa Sealcoating Services

ACPLM has over 50 years of combined experience in parking lot repair and maintenance services. This experience includes sealcoating services. To schedule a no-cost consultation for asphalt sealcoating services, contact ACPLM now!